Chapter 3 - His Mother’s Secret
Three weeks later, Beatrice walked into Il Canto and nearly dropped her purse.
Gabriel stood.
His hands moved.
Good evening, Ma.
Beatrice froze.
Gabriel swallowed.
Are you hungry?
Her eyes filled instantly.
Gabriel hesitated.
Then continued.
I am learning.
Beatrice covered her mouth.
Chloe watched from across the room.
Gabriel signed one more sentence.
I'm sorry I waited too long.
Beatrice crossed the room and wrapped her arms around her son.
Gabriel closed his eyes.
Nobody spoke.
Not his lieutenants.
Not the staff.
Not Chloe.
Beatrice finally pulled back.
Her hands moved.
Your signing is terrible.
Gabriel stared.
Chloe burst out laughing.
“What did she say?”
“You're doing great.”
Beatrice shook her head.
Gabriel looked between them.
“She said something insulting, didn't she?”
Chloe smiled.
“Confidential.”
Beatrice pointed toward Chloe approvingly.
For several weeks, things changed.
Gabriel practiced.
Beatrice talked.
Really talked.
She complained about his suits.
His diet.
His temper.
His inability to find a wife.
Gabriel regretted learning ASL somewhere around that last topic.
Then one evening, Beatrice's hands became serious.
Chloe happened to be serving them.
Gabriel signed:
What's wrong?
Beatrice looked around the table.
Then at Chloe.
I need to speak privately.
Gabriel dismissed his men.
Beatrice waited until the doors closed.
Her hands moved.
Someone is stealing from you.
Gabriel went still.
Who?
I don't know.
How do you know?
Beatrice pointed toward the VIP room.
Men forget I can read lips.
Chloe's stomach tightened.
Beatrice continued.
Two weeks ago, I saw Anthony talking to Victor.
Gabriel's expression hardened.
Anthony was the lieutenant with the broken nose.
Victor managed three of Gabriel's warehouses.
About what?
Money. Shipments. And you.
Gabriel leaned forward.
What about me?
Beatrice's hands slowed.
They said after your mother is gone, everything becomes easier.
Gabriel stood so suddenly his chair struck the wall.
Chloe jumped.
“Gabriel.”
He turned toward the door.
“Where are you going?”
“To ask Anthony.”
“With what, a polite questionnaire?”
His eyes were ice.
“Stay out of this.”
Beatrice slammed her palm against the table.
Gabriel stopped.
She signed.
Listen to Chloe.
He looked offended.
“Why?”
Chloe translated.
“She says because apparently I have the brains in this room.”
Beatrice nodded.
Gabriel stared at both women.
“This partnership is becoming irritating.”
May you like
But he sat down.
And for the first time, Gabriel Costello listened.
